USA Weekend just published my article “7 Highly Effective Ways to Help Americans Get Along” on January 17. This article is very timely. We seem to be at an all-time low for civility and discourse. Time and time again we hear of people having outbursts and dialogue is missing, even at the highest levels of government. What can we do to change that? How can we find ways to get along and build respect and understanding? How good are you at getting along?

To read my article, please go to www.stephencovey.com. By becoming a member of my free online social community, you will be able to access my article and the self-quiz “How Good Are You at Getting Along?”

You will also be able to access an audio track on The Indian Talking Stick, which is one of the most powerful communication tools for building empathic listening and understanding. The power of true understanding and respect comes when people are prepared and willing to really listen to each other. Using Indian Talking Stick principles and skills, I have helped countless numbers of people to listen and successfully create third alternative solutions—ideas or solutions that neither party originally thought of.

I invite you to grow your self-awareness and determine how you can improve yourself when it comes to getting along with others. It is so vital that we communicate with respect and work on ourselves to reach understanding, especially in difficult situations. Our ability to get things done and create trust depends on building respectful relationships not on our ability to dismiss or tear down other people’s point of views. You already know that, yet it’s often difficult to put it into practice. But practice is the key; keep trying. Work on your circle of influence or the things you have control over—and that’s always YOU!

So will you take the self-quiz and commit to improving the way you get along with others? Share your thoughts and how you did or what you will do specifically to improve.

3 Comments to How Good Are You at Getting Along with Others?

AK SardaJanuary 20, 2010

This would be a boon for even those not prone to outbursts. A large section of societies the world over have some extremely isolated individuals who have felt the need to build firewalls between themselves and their fellow humans. Though getting to the stage where they can appreciate the primacy of understanding others over getting themselves understood would not be an easy journey for them, the glimpse one gets of the contents of these elaborations on the fundamentals of the fifth Habit reassures that all is far from lost.

Aditya SharmaFebruary 15, 2010

Dear Mr. Covey,

I was gifted 7 habits by my father, almost 6 years back. Till date, it remains my favourite. When I was given an opportunity to work with your organisation in India, it was like a dream come true. Nevertheless, it was unfair and unclear hiring practices that made me decline the offer last week. I have not been given any explanation or response to my mails, by the Chairman or the CEO, perhaps they do not have a clear explanation of their actions.

I would request you to look into the happenings here and set them right.